Public employees in several states (including Texas and Georgia) are not required to pay federal Social Security taxes and do not receive those benefits as a result; they are instead covered by state plans. If a spouse dies, however, public employees may be eligible to receive their spouse's Social Security benefits. Republicans viewed this as fraudulent and proposed legislation to curb Social Security benefits for public employees in Texas and Georgia by requiring them to pay into the system for a minimum of five years to be eligible for full spousal benefits. Progressives opposed this effort on the grounds that public employees--many of whom are teachers, firefighters, and police--deserve financial support. Moreover, many of those individuals who rely on the federal benefits would fall below the poverty line if they were revoked. This vote involved a motion to end debate on the issue and adopt a rule allowing for House floor consideration of the bill. Progressives opposed the rule to forestall a final vote but the motion was passed by a 245-177 margin.